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Harbor House Inn Elk Tripadvisor Reviews
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26 Reviews
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Hidden gem
Truly wonderful stay. This is such a special place. Very grateful to the staff. They do a spectacular job! The meals were so tasty. Dreaming of coming back. The beach is also really wonderful. Private and peaceful. Perfect for reading and relaxation.
Be the first to ReplyAmazing stay and Meals
Visiting The Harbor House Inn has been on our bucket list for a while and I’m so glad we finally got to visit. The grounds are beautiful. The staff is friendly and the food is to die for. My husband and I went in April 2024 for anniversary and had an amazing two nights. The town is very small and quaint in a beautiful picturesque setting. We stayed in a cottage. The Inn sits on the main road but we never heard cars only the sounds of the ocean. The room was cozy and had the most comfortable bed and linens. The breakfast both mornings was to die for. Incredibly delicious. We also ate dinner at the restaurant one night and it was such a wonderful dining experience. We are seasoned foodies and have traveled all over the world eating at Michelin restaurants and this is definitely on our top 10 list of dinners. Overall, it was a wonderful stay and we can’t wait to come back to Elk and the Mendocino coast.
Be the first to ReplyPoor food quality, worse service
*This review is solely about the restaurant* Harbor House Inn was a shockingly bad dining experience for my husband and me, and a significant let down after I had been excitedly reliving my experience three years ago and telling him all about it. We booked the vegetarian tasting menu well ahead of time, the staff confirmed our booking, and our server for the night started by verifying that we were doing the vegetarian tasting menu, mentioning that it was an "easy peasy" restriction to accommodate. The first three courses were not particularly interesting; Chef Matthew Kammerer seemed to overload the light vegetables on the dish with too much brine and salt, to which they could not hold up. Three courses in, as they were introducing the fourth course, the server casually mentioned that one of the components of the course was dashi broth, an item that uses a base of bonito (dried fish) flakes. I thought I had misheard her and asked her to confirm whether the dashi was vegetarian. After checking with the kitchen, she returned to tell us that not only were my suspicions correct, but that three other courses that night would have a dashi base, and the kitchen would not be able to omit them from the dishes. This was absolutely shocking to us, as we naïvely assumed that a 2 star Michelin chef would understand what it means to offer a vegetarian menu. Chef Matthew Kammerer unfortunately does not seem to have this knowledge. When I reminded the server that they had known we were vegetarian at the time of booking, she said that vegetarians usually will "choose to make an exception" and consume fish-based dishes during the meal, and then proceeded to explain to me "how much fish" went into the broth. The obliviousness of her remark showed that the staff did not understand that they were simply not serving a vegetarian menu, despite saying that they could. That was also when we learned that our second course had also contained dashi (they may have mentioned it when serving but I didn't pick up on it that time). As awful as this experience was - a 6 hour round trip for nothing - Harbor House staff's terrible service was probably the cherry on the fishy cake. Servers simply did not care that we had just been let down due to their errors, and there were no managers around to help us rectify the situation except... the chef. Who understandably was not going to be able to leave the kitchen when a full service was going on. The server assured us that management / the chef would personally be in contact with us to address the situation, but after eight days, we have yet to hear from Harbor House. I It's unclear why the cooking or the environment here merits a single star, let alone two.
Be the first to ReplyHorrified
Do not soend a minute here. The grounds are run down. The “cottages” are tiny, ikea sofas, etc. no food available for lunch or dinner — closest available 20 minutes away. All rooms are close to the road so teuck noise most of the night. At $1500 a night, tjis experience was beyond appalling.
Be the first to ReplyWonderful views, polished service, stellar dining experience
After our subpar experience at The Heritage House the prior day, we were wary about our upcoming time at The Harbor House Inn - perhaps the Mendocino area just doesn't have a great property that has wonderful views, gracious service and fine dining? It certainly did not start off on a good note. We had originally booked Madrone, their top category cottage that looks amazing (at least from glancing at the pictures online.) Unfortunately, there was a booking mishap and they double booked Madrone. A few days before our scheduled arrival date, the GM (Ashley) personally called to inform me about their error, and offered to comp our stay in their Seaview Cottage (which is the second highest category room, along with Oceansong.) He was profusely apologetic and also arranged for champagne, a nice gift basket and a personally written card welcoming us to their property and again apologizing for their mistake. What was also impressive was the fact that many of the staff members (including the front desk lady) was aware of the mistake, and went to great lengths to express their regret that we did not get what we originally hoped for. This is unlike The Heritage House, where everyone seemed to have the "it's not my personal mistake and not my problem" attitude for their service mishaps. While we would have preferred to stay in (and pay for) Madrone, the 1 bedroom Seaview Cottage was no slouch. It wasn't supremely roomy, but the room was warm and homely without being too rustic or "flowery" in decor (as is the case with many small bed & breakfast properties - you know what I'm talking about.) In fact, it was quite contemporary and modern without feeling "cold." The Suite featured a double-sided electronic fireplace that can heat both the bedroom and living room, and dramatic views of the ocean and small islands dotting the coastline. A few drawbacks - one sink, bed comforter/sheets that were cheap and very heavy, really high bed (you REALLY have to climb up to get into it), a small and tight shower, and - as was the case with Heritage House - the toilet in the bathroom was not in a dedicated/separate area from the sink and shower, which we always find to be inconvenient. It was a tad less roomy than our Suite at the Heritage House, but we'd take the Seaview Cottage every time, all the time. Harbor House Inn's grounds are similarly gorgeous - the landscaping was beautifully arranged and well manicured, with pretty flowers scattered throughout. And a short walk down the cliffs (not too strenuous, trust me) to the beach led to amazing scenery - multiple caves (including one on an island), a secluded and pretty cove in calm waters, and no trash in sight. We wouldn't have minded having a picnic here if we were to stay here next time; it's that picturesque and tranquil of a place. We had dinner at their Michelin star restaurant (and well deserved, IMO) that served amazing, Japanese-inspired fare that focuses on local ingredients, including things like Sea Urchin, seaweed/kelp/algae, foraged plants and lamb from a local ranch. It was very creatively done, and was a delight to our senses. While I would still give SingleThread Farms top honors for cuisine of this type, Harbor House Inn isn't far behind. In fact, it's almost not worth comparing because the dishes served at both restaurants are so distinct and creative that you definitely ought to dine at both. If that wasn't enough convincing, the service quality was outstanding. Everyone from the receptionists to dinner servers to groundskeepers consistently greeted us with a smile, and they even helped with our luggage (a rarity in U.S. properties, as we all know.) We could tell they took great pride in the establishment and were treated well by management. I will give Harbor House Inn 4 stars for this particular visit, given their booking mistake. But I anticipate that a future stay (staying in Madrone) will result in us giving it a bona-fide 5-star rating. Note that all guests at Harbor House Inn must be 15 years of age or older.
Be the first to ReplyIncredible stay (& dinner!) near Mendocino
We spent 3 glorious nights here and loved every aspect of it. - Even before our arrival, both the hotel team and restaurant team reached out for our preferences and any help we may need; - There was one thing which we didn't expect but turned out to be out-of-this-world good - their breakfast. On our first morning we had this breakfast (from the same kitchen as the 2 Michelin star restaurant) that was unlike anything we have ever tasted before. The flavours were so complex and delicious that all we could think of was breakfast the following morning. We were not disappointed - it was eggs and mushrooms in congee - again, the most delicious thing ever. Our third morning's breakfast was also amazing - definitely Asian influences here and there. The breakfasts are included in our stay - it's worth staying here just to eat their breakfasts! - We had dinner here on our first night and it was memorable. The attention to detail, the service and of course the food were all unparalleled. - The team here is fabulous. The General Manager Mr. Ashley Luna is amazing! We asked him for ideas of what to do in the area and he sent this incredible 5-page comprehensive list of fabulous hiking trails, farms with goats and cheese tastings, great wineries nearby, and of course lots of fantastic restaurants - so vital in helping us plan our trip. We also had some requests prior to arrival and during our stay and each and every time, Mr. Luna was most helpful and responsive. Our biggest thanks to him. - Other team members were all amazing - their warmth, friendliness, and attention to detail really touched us. There's Nancy who greeted us warmly upon check in. For the next few days, every time we bump into her, she remembered our names and took the time to chat with us even though she was very busy and had a million things to take care of. She told us the enchanting history of the hotel, lots of fun tidbits on what to do and where to go - Nancy was experienced not just with the hotel but also this area. There's Amber who made us feel so welcomed and helped us with things big and small. We bumped into Adrianne on a hiking trail (she was off that morning and hiking for fun!) - she told us a lot about the trail we were on, interesting things to look out for, etc. - it was like having our own special hiking guide! Mr. Ashley Luna + his incredible team made our stay incredibly memorable, thank you.
Be the first to ReplyLet down in Elk
We were looking forward to our stay at Harbor House Inn especially because we heard how wonderful the restaurant is. Little did we know that they do not prioritize reserving tables for guests so we were unapologetically out of luck and almost all the better restaurants were closed on the two days that we stayed. This information would of been helpful when booking . The cottage we were given is right next to the highway and you can hear cars zooming by day and night. The bathroom in the cottage is horrible. The listing for the room claims a deep soaking tub. If I had that bathroom in my home I wouldn’t invite guests to stay. The very dated bathtub (think your first low rent apartment) was chipped and the fixtures were slightly rusted and covered with lime scale. They need to reevaluate their definition of deep soaking. Pieces of the sink tap were missing and there were dead bugs or mold (didn’t want to get to close to make positive ID) on the ceiling. The breakfast was delicious and the view from the grounds and I assume everyone else’s cottage is stunning. When I did mention that I thought the bathroom was disgusting they apologized and gave me a 100 credit off the almost 1400 bill. I did not complain until the end of our second day as my husband never likes to complain and we were out exploring all day! They should never charge what they charge for the Edgewood Cottage. Perhaps the others are nicer. I have no desire to return and find out for myself.
Be the first to ReplyLoved our Harbor House Experience
My husband and I stayed at The Harbor House for three nights in late May. We actually went in a little blind to the property, so had not seen many photos and didn't exactly know what to expect - we had selected to stay there so we could make sure to get a reservation at the restaurant. We were so excited upon our arrival - we loved how off the grid the Inn felt. We received a warm welcome from the staff and absolutely loved our cottage. We had many favorite things about the Inn, some of which include the gorgeous garden & views, spending time reading our books around the campfire and the delicious breakfasts each morning. The Harbor House paid attention to detail - I love how they incorporated the work of local artists in with their food experience. The restaurant was an amazing experience, we loved the freshness and earthiness of the menu. The Harbor House is the perfect blend of luxury while keeping it chill and relaxed and not too tightly wound. We can't wait to come back for another visit.
Be the first to ReplyMuch ado about nothing
This section of the northern CA coastline provides extraordinary scenery and there is no doubt that HH is perched high above a jaw-dropping vantage point. It's a tall order to compete with the view and HH falls short both in accommodations and cuisine. I spent the evening in Oceansong, one of two preferred cottages with direct, unobstructed vistas and an outdoor deck. The separate sitting area is absurdly compact with an uninviting Lilliputian-like sofa. A wine cooler is used as an end table. The bedroom is a bit more generous, but heat is provided by a two-way gas fireplace which may suddenly ignite in the middle of the night when the temperature drops. There is no heat in the bathroom which made for a very uncomfortable showering experience with the low water pressure. The shower stall was plastic and old. There was a noticeable slope in the bathroom floor that was perceptible enough to add undue cautiousness to ambulation. Chronically-dripping bathtub faucet. No "C" symbol on the cold water sink faucet handle. No robes were provided. At this price point, these accommodations fall far short of other luxury properties in CA. Dining in the lodge offers a challenging affair operationally, visually and from a satiation standpoint. The staff has adopted an almost comical Thom Browne-esque uniform: ultra-short, above-the-ankle tight blue jeans, brown brogues, no socks, and a blue blazer at least one size too small placing maximum strain on the jacket button hole. With the perimeter of the room consisting of a hardwood floor, this team of servers parades an endless series of dishes around the room clomping like a heard of wildebeest. Trolleys are occasionally rolled up table side but not to perform any preparation or plating, but simply to present the next item prior to plating back in the kitchen. This annoyingly repetitious ceremony is performed at table after table as if by an uber chic group of ventriloquist dummies. If you don't like the flavor profile of intense sea umami married with smoke, this restaurant is not for you. This creates a "one note samba" tasting experience. The Dungeness crab dish was stellar and a needed respite from the intense smoke elements. Almost all of the dishes, aside from the squab, required facility with chop sticks. And, oddly, random dishes were brought to the table by kitchen staff with dirty aprons even though there was no shortage of wait staff for the group of 16 diners that evening. Retiring to my cottage post-dinner, the turn-down service had left a forlorn assortment of dried apple slices, stale goureges, and tasteless cookies. Morning breakfast was delivered without a heat capturing cover, resulting in cold toast and bacon. The steamed eggs had retained their heat and were excellent. The power inexplicably went out at 8:30 am and I checked out, quickly putting HH in the rear view mirror.
Be the first to ReplyWonderful lunch
I had lunch at the Harbor House inn with one of my friends, and it was a wonderful experience. The restaurant and atmosphere is absolutely stunning. The food was delicious, I would love to go back for dinner one day. All of the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
Be the first to ReplyRomantic setting with spectacular views and excellent customer service
Beautiful rooms and location for an intimate getaway with my wife. The views were spectacular especially the sunsets. The staff was very attentive - especially Nancy who made our stay very special with perhaps the highest level of customer service I have experienced anywhere. She was attentive to our needs, helped us getting settled into our room and even delivered our dinner en suite on our last night. The food was excellent and the bed super comfortable. Humming birds and dear were always close by. A perfect retreat in a beautiful part of California
Be the first to ReplyWarning for people with celiac and others who need to avoid gluten
WORD OF WARNING FOR ANYONE WITH CELIAC OR OTHER FOOD ALLERGIES: The Harbor House restaurant cannot and will not accommodate you. It says this on the website, but, if you're like us and don't read every restaurant's full website when you're booking a reservation, you'll have the same experience we did. We made a lunch reservation for the Harbor House restaurant a week in advance, noting in the comment section that I can't eat gluten. We got three confirmation emails from the restaurant, none of which mentioned the food allergy issue. We drove the three-plus hours to Elk from our home in Marin to have lunch, and after we got there and had been seated, they finally read the note we'd put on our reservation -- and essentially told us to leave, because most of the courses contained gluten. I get it. They're creating a new menu every day from local ingredients. But the thing that made the experience more disappointing than it had to be was their attitude. They didn't apologize for not reaching out to us ahead of time to let us know they couldn't accommodate us -- or for the inconvenience. They just acted like it was our fault for not reading the website and showed us the door. I realize Michelin stars aren't awarded based on service. But their attitude was surprising and unpleasant nonetheless.
Be the first to ReplyHarbor house
Very nice place. Beautiful drive to get there along coast. Food average[maybe below]. Not impressive fit a Michelin star establishment Overpriced. I've stayed at very similar accommodation for much less. Staff was friendly, and helpful.
Be the first to ReplyA slice of heaven nestled in the bluffs of Northern California
The Harbor House Inn is more than a Michelin-starred BnB/restaurant that is locally sustained and eco-conscious... it is a slice of heaven on the west coast that is more surreal than real. Part of what drew me to stay here were the glowing reviews and online gushing of many travel and food blogs that I follow. What I now struggle with is to put our experience into words, as it not only met all the accreditation it receives but surpassed it in every single way. We had to reschedule our trip from 2021 due to an emergency hospitalization and eventual terminal cancer diagnosis (for me), which I thought would put a damper on everything - but HH refunded EVERYTHING to us and just asked we visit when we are able to. They didn't NEED to do this, but they did and that's something special to me and my wife. A year later (late June 2022), we finally made it. As you walk through the gates you know you've stumbled onto something special. You hear the animals that are onsite and immediately see the sprawling gardens and self-sustained infrastructure like water retention and composting sites. They are not "industrial" feeling at ALL, but instead it feels like a small farm... which it kind of is. The Inn itself is gorgeous, more of like a cabin retreat with dark, rich wood everywhere and impeccably clean. The decor borders modern minimalist, but has much of the Inn's history front-and-center so you can learn about the owners (current and past) as well as the genesis of the property. However, the real magic is when you walk out back and see the bluffs, the ocean, and your personal piece of heaven that HH has crafted for all its visitors. Fire pits, sprawling gardens, stairs down to the beach, it has everything for EVERYONE to enjoy their stay. It was an emotional experience for me between the immaculate beauty of the property, the perfect weather, and just being there with my wife given my health and situation. Every corner and inch of the property is meticulously cared for and has purpose, including the beach (a few hundred steps down the bluffs) where seaweed is harvested for dishes by staff and soaked and air-dried under the guest decks. There are so many perfect little details that HH takes care of for every guest that you feel like a celebrity or royalty when you stay there. From curated arrival gifts to personalized breakfasts, these are not things that happen by chance. The staff is there to make you feel special, and we did from the moment we arrived until our departure. These are professionals in every sense of the word in the hospitality world, but each interaction oozes with actual compassion and caring of your wants and desires. We've been all over the world, and this experience sticks out in my mind as one of the best we've ever had. The dinner (as many others have said) has been (to date) the best meal of our lives... and that isn't something that I say on a whim. The tasting dinner was the apex of a culinary experience from the dinnerware that is locally sourced (including abolone shells from the beaches) to the meticulous details on every dish and preparation. Despite it being a 3+ hour experience, it felt perfect in every way. The pacing, the education, the chef and servers coming by to chat and present each dish was not something we had ever experienced. I cannot explain or even do justice to the food - you'll have to look at the photos to see some of the whimsical uses of ingredients I never would have thought could be used in a fine dining experience. All of this comes at a cost, of course... but when you think about prices paid for such lavish experiences, it holds a superb value for what you get. We walked away with our bank account or wallets a bit lighter but regret nothing. I would happily pay the same amount again for the experience given some of the other places we've stayed or eaten and paid much more for far less. This is a gem nestled in the cliffs of California... just waiting to be found and enjoyed by those who want to feel and be treated like someone special. HH will do all of that and much, much more for anyone who is willing to put them in charge of your stay. I promise you will not regret the trip or the price paid to have such an experience. It was... to be quite frank... perfect.
Be the first to ReplyTerrible Dining Experience
We had the 5 course lunch for our anniversary and it was one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had. We had bought the wine paring ahead of time and when we sat down at our table our server brought a drinks list to us. We told him that we had the wine pairing and then he said he had to check. After confirming he brought the glasses over and then we didn't get poured anything for 15 minutes even into our first course. The food was ok at best. The first course was pickled vegetables and it was mostly unedible. The server and chef didn't tell us anything about the food which I thought was such a missed opportunity with what I had read about the chefs and how they prepare the food. I got still water to start and the person filling my water glass kept switching it between sparking and still which was a weird experience for this type of dining establishment. For the price you are paying this is not worth it. We gave the feedback directly to the team via email as to not just post online but hear from them directly and they never responded. The only positive thing is the view which is truly exceptional.
Be the first to ReplyVery lovely Inn
We were mostly drawn to this resort by the restaurant. However, we were really pleased with our accommodations. We stayed in the room on the main floor closest to the front desk, but we were very well insulated from the guest noise. The room is nice sized with a small but very functional bathroom. The queen size bed was easily large enough for two people and very comfortable. We would definitely stay in this room again in the future. The resort has a very dramatic view of the ocean that was nice to take in on their grounds.
Be the first to ReplyAmazing hospitality for a stranded traveler!
These folks are fantastic. I was going up Highway 1 on my motorcycle and ran out of gas passing through Elk, and had no cell signal. The restaurant host went out of her way to help me out. She let me use their phone to call towing services, and when we found out none of them in range were open, she gave me the gallon of gas that was for their lawnmower, which was enough to get me to the next service station. I can't thank them enough for being so kind to me in a tough situation.
Be the first to ReplyLovely lunch!
Our meal was a wonderful and unique experience! We made a lunch reservation for along our road trip. The dishes are thoughtful and the setting is beautiful.
A highlight was the seagrass butter and sourdough bread. Such a fun spin on a classic that shows off the local environment. Thank you!
FABULOUS!
The experience of a lifetime! My husband and I stayed at the Harbor House for four days and three nights during our honeymoon. We had the MOST amazing dinner experience the first night. Each course was paired with a very unique beverage, many of the ingredients grown on the grounds or foraged from the sea below the property. The property is stunning with beautiful and comfortable cottages. The staff is wonderful! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The manager Greg was extraordinary!!! Not only was Greg professional and extremely helpful, but undeniably caring and thoughtful. One night we came back to the hotel later than normal and Greg stayed late to make sure we got in safely. That night my husband misplaced the key to our cottage so luckily Greg was there to let us in. Another night we got lost and could not find a restaurant open and came back to the hotel tired and hungry. Greg made a reservation for us at another local hotel/restaurant that was open late within minutes. He was so kind to us, it felt like he was family! We commend the Harbor House for their beautiful establishment and for having a manager like Greg!
Be the first to Reply5 Star Review
We and the couple that joined us were planning to be in Japan now on our annual trip-enjoying the best ryokans. HH was the same experience across the board. A special shout out to Greg who always exceeded expectations. Have already strongly recommended to two friends in Healdsburg. We will be back.
Be the first to ReplyAmazing dining even if hotel not up to same standard
The Harbor House Inn is in an absolutely spectacular location at the bluff’s edge, with stairs down to a cove that’s essentially private. While rooms are a little utilitarian in design and function, and Highway 1 is a right there, the restaurant is one of California’s best. When we went, the hotel had not yet rebounded from Covid; there was no housekeeping or breakfast room. But the room-service breakfast is a delight. If we went back, we’d likely stay in the main house rather than one of the outbuildings.
Be the first to ReplyIncredible.....we didn't want to leave!
My husband and I stayed at the Harbor house for 3 nights in the middle of a 21 day road trip, we loved it so much we did not want to leave! The property is spectacular, our room with an ocean view was fabulous and the dinner was one of the best meals we have ever had (definitely worth the splurge)! We can't wait too go back!!
Be the first to ReplyMini-moon in Mendicino
Truly was a very secluded and unforgettable experience at Harbor House. Our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer (would recommend booking far in advance). The staff was incredible at ensuring we had everything we needed to make the most of our time in the area.
Be the first to ReplyThe highlight of northern coast in every aspect!
Luxurious with a rugged flare. The Lookout room has spectacular views of the rocks and coast. The grounds had so much to offer with it’s beautiful gardens and evening fire pit. The culinary experience with Chef Mathew was the “cherry on top”! The knowledge and presentation of the local endogenous dishes made this a highlight! The rooms are charming just like the entire staff! We will DEFINITELY be back!
Be the first to ReplyRun away from the Manager for better experience
We were tasked by close friends to help plan their belated wedding celebration at the Harbor House Inn. We visited the venue and met with the Manager, Bryon, in May.
Having planned numerous events for myself and friends, I was utterly shocked by the way the Manager "welcomed" us. Even though he was one who missed the original appointment, we were literally scolded for driving 4hrs up and meeting him in person - because he thought that was a waste of his time and "email is the best way" to reach him. Not wanting to ruin the plan, I continued to ask event-related questions. There were simply too many attitude problems and ambiguous answers. Clearly, both the service and the work knowledge were quite lacking. Apparently this was not the first time he was called out by name in a poor review, and I regret not investigating earlier given my role of ad hoc "wedding planner". Other aspects of the venue seemed fine - so pls run away from the Manager for better experience.